John Evelyn and his World; A Biography
London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1981. Hardcover. 277 pages. 24 x 16 cm. Six pages of Elizabeth David's notes laid in. The publication of John Evelyn's diary in 1818 helped establish the importance of personal diaries as historical documents. This book is the first biography of John Evelyn based not only on the Diaries but on a full account of his lesser-known writings. From the notes, it seems David used this book in researching at least one book - Harvest of the Cold Months, published posthumously by her editor Jill Norman at Davids request. In her notes, David points out passages regarding methods used to preserve snow, techniques to cool baked goods with crushed ice and salt, and the use of snow to cool drinks. It is charming to see, like many other economically minded writers, David used everything and anything at hand, to dash off her notes. Here, David used the back of a Baking Today form letter, a previously used envelope, and various scraps of paper. Pages are scribbled in different color inks while every unoccupied area on the paper is utilized. Interior and boards pristine. Dust wrapper lightly soiled. Covered in protective mylar. Green cloth covered boards. Fine, in near fine dust wrapper. Item #4549
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